Kinga Zilahi submitted her story to Women and Drones.
Tell us about your background.
Where do you live?
I live in Hungary
In which sector of the industry do you work?
I’m in the UAS sector, specifically drone racing.
What did you do prior to coming into the industry?
I spent many years in the health sector and worked as a communications professional as well. FPV drone racing is a very important thing in my life. I would like to focus on it full time.
Industry Experience
How did you get started in the drone industry?
My husband tried himself as an FPV pilot many years ago, and I wanted to try last September. It was addictive for me, and I thought I can do it better than him.
My callsign is Bunny FPV it came from a famous anime. I fly with 5 coll and tiny drones.
Tell us about your current organization
I am a proud member of the Mach1 international women’s drone team. I get a lot of strength and support from them. In people’s minds, drone flying as a technical sport is more of a masculine hobby. I would like to dispel this misconception in people’s minds. We as strong women control our lives with at least as much skill and professionalism as our drones.
Tell us about your current role in the industry
In my tiny country in the heart of Europe, FPV drone racing as a sport is not very widespread. I represent my country as the only FAI licensed female racer drone pilot. I decided to create my own Youtube channel, for beginners to not be shy and be brave to show the path of development.
What do you like most about being in the industry?
Flying is a sweet blend of freedom, technical knowledge and happiness.
What’s your favorite type of project and why?
The FPV drone racing. So much adrenaline.
What excites you most about the potential for women in the industry?
It is well known that we women can concentrate on several things at once. My brain is switched off when I’m racing from obstacle to obstacle. I believe that I will meet more and more women pilots in the future.
What’s your current favorite drone to fly?
I built a 5 inch carbon framed racer drone, I am so proud to have built it myself.
What You’ve Learned
What has been your most significant “lightbulb” moment since you entered the industry?
The FAI Hungarian World Cup was my best experience in my life. It was my second race, and I was so excited and nervous at the same time. Just a few racer girls joined us in my home country, and I was alone there from Hungary as a woman.
What have you learned you wish you had known when you got started?
Oh, all the technical things about soldering, and charging the devices. If something went wrong I need to know how to do the repairs. For example, I know how to configure my fly controller and my video receiver on my computer.
Any suggestions for other women entering the industry?
Do not fear, and let’s ask if something is not clear. Use a simulator for first try, and never forget to sit down in the beginning. Find your best position and wearing comfortable clothes helps a lot.
